Seattle Seahawks: 3 Bold predictions vs. Eagles in Wild Card Round
By Samuel Teets
2. Lockett and Metcalf dominate
What they Eagles possess up front makes up for their lackluster secondary. Philadelphia’s defense ranks 19th in passing yards, allowing 241.6 per game. Philly’s 11 interceptions are the 22nd-most in the NFL, and the Eagles allow the 14th-highest passer rating (90.8) to quarterbacks.
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Essentially, Philadelphia’s secondary is horrible mediocre, but the Seahawks know something about that. Tyler Lockett struggled against the 49ers in Week 17, but he did post explosive numbers against Carolina’s 13th ranked pass defense earlier this year. While he can be hit or miss, this is potentially Seattle’s last game of the season. He cannot afford an off game.
On the other hand, D.K. Metcalf posted one of the best seasons by a rookie wide receiver this season. He finished in the top three for receptions, yards, and touchdowns among rookie receivers. Despite concerns about his route running, the combine standout outplayed his second-round draft pedigree and could conceivably post 1,000 receiving yards next season.
While Lockett struggled during the second half of the season, Metcalf improved in Seattle’s final eight games. His 6-4, 229-pound frame and ridiculous speed makes him a mismatch against most defenders. At 6-2, Rasul Douglas is Philadelphia’s tallest cornerback. However, Douglas ran the 40-yard dash at the 2017 NFL Combine in 4.59 seconds. Metcalf ran it in 4.33 seconds in 2019.
Between Lockett and Metcalf, the Seahawks possess a massive speed advantage over Philadelphia’s defensive backs. Combining Lockett’s consistent presence with Metcalf’s big-play ability gives Seattle the offensive power they need.